Dragonspell - Donita K. Paul [58]
She tried to think of the words Granny Noon had given her.
My thoughts belong to me and Wulder.
And Dar says You listen to me, and You talk to me too.
Well, Wulder, I thank You for being interested in what I’m doing. Kale took a deep breath. Please tell me what to do and when, so I don’t mess up.
In Wulder’s service, I search for truth. I’m searching for Leetu, Wulder. And a way to get into that castle. And a way to get out. Don’t forget a way to get out.
I stand under Wulder’s authority. I’m entering into the domain of an evil wizard. Please keep me and Dar and Celisse and Gymn from harm. And Leetu as well.
Celisse soared heavenward. A large yellow moon hung low in the sky. A halo gleamed around it. To the east, stars blinked and glimmered in a stunning array. The beauty of her surroundings almost wiped out the tingle of fear in her heart.
“A little bit of fear is all right,” said Dar. “It keeps you alert and helps you react promptly.”
Kale did not answer. Does he read my mind? He says he doesn’t, but he’s always picking up on what I’m feeling. She waited, expecting the doneel to make a comment. If he denies he can read my mind, I’ll know he was reading my mind. Dar said nothing.
They swooped in a large circle and came to rest in a field beyond a wood at the west side of Risto’s castle.
“Celisse,” said Dar as soon as he and Kale stood on the ground, “you must hide in the trees. You can’t come into the fortress with us, but you must be where we can reach you moments after we get out.”
Kale sensed the riding dragon’s agreement. The rescuers moved stealthily into the cover of the trees.
Dar paused. “Kale, I want you to use your talent to search the area around us. Are there soldiers or guards of any kind nearby?”
Kale relaxed, closed her eyes, and let her mind reach beyond the area where they stood.
“Kimens, there are dozens of kimens all around us.” Kale’s brow furrowed as she sorted through the impressions coming into her mind. “Dar, I know right where Leetu is, a dark, cold room with stone walls. If we get inside that fortress, I can lead us directly to her. Everything is so clear. Earlier today I couldn’t use my talent at all. Now it’s like a fog has lifted. I sense Leetu just as clearly as I can see the moon.”
“Your eyes are closed, and the moon has a haze around it.”
Kale grinned and opened her eyes. She looked at Dar, expecting an explanation from her wise companion in spite of his caustic remark.
Dar rubbed his furry chin with a hand. “The more you exercise your talent, the stronger it gets. This morning you overused it when you healed Celisse with Gymn. On top of all the other mindspeaking, you threw images into the guards’ minds. Add the emotional strain of the circumstances, and you taxed your ability to the point of exhaustion.
“You’ll have to learn to pace yourself. I can’t think of anything more disastrous than to have your talent come to an abrupt stop while we’re engaged in something like escorting Leetu out of Risto’s stronghold.”
“The kimens are coming,” Kale announced.
“I’m not surprised. Ever since the Battle of Ordray, they’ve kept watch on the forces of evil.”
“Can such little people help us?” The kimens appeared too fragile for any type of battle.
Dar laughed. “Oh, yes. For one thing, a kimen can light the way through any dark passages we encounter.”
Kale tilted her head in puzzlement.
“Kale, kimens wear light. They have no clothing other than beams of light they draw to themselves. They control the color of that radiance and can dim it at will.”
“I’ve seen kimens, Dar. They wear soft, fluttering clothing that floats around them and stirs in a breeze. It looks like the gauzy material Granny Noon wrapped our food in.”
“Have you ever touched one?” asked Dar. “Have you ever brushed up against a kimen and felt the texture of his garment?”
“No.”
“It’s neither hot